CANASTOTA, NY - SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 -“Irish” Micky Ward, the real life inspiration of the Academy Award winning motion picture The Fighter, recently stopped by the Hall of Fame while in Central New York for the debut of Iron Mike Productions at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY on August 23rd. The night of boxing action was televised live on the season finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

A trainer for Iron Mike Productions, Ward worked the corner of Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero when he met Argentina’s Jesus Andres Cueller in an exciting back and forth battle for the vacant WBA interim featherweight championship.

Boxing fans touring the Hall were thrilled to see Ward, who was in “Fight of the Year” three times ( 2001, 2002 and 2003), and recall his rugged ring battles including the legendary trilogy with Hall of Famer Arturo “Thunder” Gatti.

Father and son Phillip Brooks and Dan Esposito from Camden, New Jersey were among the fans surprised by Ward. Both are massive fans of the Lowell, MA warrior and have watched his fights repeatedly through the years. Traveling from their camp in Bleecker, New York, they purposely drove to Canastota to make their first visit to the Hall.

“We knew the Hall of Fame was in Canastota and have talked about stopping in for a while,” said Esposito. “I guess we picked the right day and time! We’ve been fans of Micky Ward’s for a long time. My heart is pounding!”

Esposito added, “We’re going to stop by here every time now!”

A not-for-profit organization, the International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 in Canastota, New York and is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.